Children who sleep less more prone to hurt themselves

New York, Feb 22 (IANS) Preschool children who have less than adequate sleep are more likely to hurt themselves, according to a new study. The study, by researchers at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, found that the average number of injuries during preschool years is twice as high for children who regularly slept less.

The US National Sleep Foundation recommends that children 3 to 6 years of age get 11 hours or more of sleep a day.

As part of the study, the researchers, led by Christina Koulouglioti, collected data from nearly 300 mothers about their preschool children over 30 months. Data on injuries were collected through self-reports and medical records.

Findings of the study have been published in the latest issue of the journal Public Health Nursing.

The higher risk was significant even after taking into account other factors such as the child’s temperament.

“The findings provide additional support for the essential role of poor sleep as a risk factor for injuries among preschool children,” Koulouglioti concluded.